If you only print now and then, it's easy to spend more than you need to — or to end up with a printer that's more complicated than it's worth. Most occasional home users don't need anything fancy. They need something that works reliably, doesn't cost a fortune upfront, and isn't too expensive to run when they do use it.
Here's what to look for, and three printers worth considering if you're shopping on a budget in 2026.
Inkjet printers are usually the right choice
For light printing — forms, homework, the occasional photo — an inkjet printer is generally the better fit. They tend to cost less upfront than laser printers and handle mixed tasks well. If you're only printing a few pages a month, inkjet is almost always the sensible starting point.
Simpler models often perform better
It might seem counterintuitive, but basic models often suit occasional users better than feature-heavy ones. Fewer moving parts and simpler software usually means fewer things to go wrong — and less time fiddling with settings when you just need to print something quickly.
Wireless printing still matters
Even if you only print occasionally, being able to send a document from your phone or laptop without digging out a cable makes the whole experience much more convenient. Most budget printers now include wireless connectivity, so it's worth making sure the one you choose has it — not all of them do.
Check cartridge availability before you buy
One of the most common frustrations with budget printers is discovering that the ink cartridges are hard to find, expensive, or both. Before committing to a model, check that genuine replacement cartridges are widely available and reasonably priced. Sticking with a major brand — HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother — is the simplest way to make sure replacements are easy to come by when you need them.
Think about ink drying out
This catches a lot of occasional users out. Inkjet printers that sit unused for weeks at a time can suffer from dried-out print heads or cartridges, which leads to blocked nozzles and wasted ink. Some printers handle this better than others. Choosing a model from a reputable brand with good cartridge design helps, and it's worth printing a test page every couple of weeks to keep things moving.
Don't overbuy on features
If you genuinely won't scan or copy documents, you might not need an all-in-one printer. That said, all-in-one models have become so affordable that the price difference is often minimal — and scanning turns out to be more useful than people expect (copying school letters, scanning old photos, sending documents). It's worth factoring in whether you might use those features, even occasionally.
1. Canon PIXMA MG2551S — Print, Scan & Copy from £35
⚠️ No wireless — USB connection only. This printer connects to a single PC or laptop via USB cable (not included). It is not suitable for printing from a phone, tablet, or multiple devices.
If that suits how you work, the MG2551S is a capable, compact all-in-one at a very low entry price. It prints, scans, and copies, handles both documents and photos, and runs quietly thanks to a built-in quiet mode. Canon's FINE cartridge technology delivers sharp text and decent colour output for everyday use. XL ink cartridges are available if you want to bring the cost per page down.
Price: Approximately £35 — view on Amazon
Genuine ink: Canon 545 & 546 ink cartridges at Crazy Kangaroo
2. HP DeskJet 2922 — Simple Wireless All-in-One from £35
The HP DeskJet 2922 is a straightforward wireless all-in-one that covers the basics without fuss. Print, scan, and copy — wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Setup is simple, and it's a reliable choice if you want something from a well-known brand at a budget price.
It comes with three months of HP Instant Ink included. Worth knowing: once that trial ends, you can simply buy replacement cartridges as and when you need them in the normal way — there's no obligation to continue with a subscription.
Price: Approximately £35 — view on Amazon
Genuine ink: HP 308 ink cartridges at Crazy Kangaroo
3. Canon PIXMA TS3750i — Wireless with Photo Printing from £50
The TS3750i sits a step above the other two in price, but brings a few extras worth having. It prints wirelessly, scans, and copies, and supports borderless photo printing — useful if you occasionally want prints without a white border around the edge. It's also compatible with Canon's PIXMA Print Plan subscription if you ever want to move to a fixed monthly ink cost, though there's no requirement to do so.
For occasional home use, it's a polished and capable machine that shouldn't cause any headaches.
Price: Approximately £50 — view on Amazon
Genuine ink: Canon 575 & 576 ink cartridges at Crazy Kangaroo
A quick note on the Canon MG2551S: it connects via USB only, so it's not suitable if you want to print from a phone or tablet. If wireless printing matters to you, the TS3750i or the HP DeskJet 2922 are the better options.
All three models use genuine ink cartridges from the standard ranges — no unusual or hard-to-find formats. Replacement cartridges for all of them are available at Crazy Kangaroo, with free UK delivery on every order.
What About Running Costs?
Upfront price is only part of the picture. Ink is where budget printers often catch people out — some manufacturers price entry-level printers cheaply knowing that the cartridges are where they make their margins.
The safest approach is to stick with genuine ink cartridges from the manufacturer. They're designed specifically for each printer, deliver consistent results, and won't put your warranty at risk. For all three printers above, genuine cartridges are widely available and reasonably priced — and opting for XL versions where available brings the cost per page down noticeably.
If you have an HP printer, it's also worth knowing that HP and Canon orders from Crazy Kangaroo include a free prepaid recycling bag, making it easy to return your used cartridges rather than sending them to landfill. You can also download a free Freepost recycling label for any brand at any time.
The Bottom Line
The best budget printer for occasional home use is one you'll actually reach for when you need it — not one sitting in a cupboard because it was too much hassle to set up, or too expensive to run. Keep it simple, choose a printer that uses common genuine cartridges, and make sure it has wireless if you want to print from more than one device.
Any of the three models above would serve most occasional home users well. If you're not sure which genuine ink cartridges your current printer uses, you can browse by brand at Crazy Kangaroo — we stock genuine HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother cartridges with free UK delivery on every order.
